Label, strip, or sheet applying mechanism.



E L. BROWNSON LABEL, STRIP, OR SHEET APPLYING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED MAR.29,1913. 1 1 1 8,734. Patented Nov. 24. 1914.

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THE NORRIS PETERS COM FHOTO-LITHO WASHING FUN. D. C.

B. L. BROWNSON. LABEL, STRIP, OR SHEET APPLYING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION IILEI) MAR. 29, 1913. 1 1 18,734. Patented Nov. 24. 1914.

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LABEL, STRIP, 0R SHEET APPLYING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 29. 1013.

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E. L. BROWNSON.

LABEL, STRIP, 0R SHEET APPLYING MECHANISM. APPLICATION rum) MAR. 29, 1913.

1 1 1 8,734. Patented Nov. 24. 19m

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UNITE. sTAtrns PATENT OFFICE.

EARL L. BROWN'SON, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

LABEL, STRII", OR SHEET APPIiYING MECHANISM.

Application filed March 29, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EARL L. BROWNSON, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain Improvements in Label, Strip, 01' Sheet Applying Mechanisms, of which the following description, inconncction with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to label, strip or sheet applying mechanism of gene'al application, but is more particularly intended for applying labels to boxes or other receptacles.

In order that the invention may be readily understood, I have disclosed a single embodiment thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a front elevation of a label applying mechanism embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof; Fig. 8 is a vertical central section of the upper portion of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a portion of the head supporting and operating shaft; Fig. 4 is a transverse section upon the line 4t4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the said mechanism; Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the mechanism taken through the vertical shaft shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a vertical section of the paste applying mechanism taken upon the line 77 of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal section of the label holder takenupon the line 8-8 of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse section thereof upon the line 99 of Fig. 6; Fig. 10 is a plan view of a Il'lOdl." fied form of moistening mechanism; Fig. 11 is a side elevation thereof; Fig. 12 is a transverse vertical section thereof; Fig. 13 represents in side elevation a portion of labeling mechanism adapted for the application of labels to receptacles of curved contour, such as bottles; Fig. 1 1 is a front elevation thereof; Fig. 15 is a side elevation of a label a'lfixing device preferably employed in conjunction with that modified form of my invention shown in Figs. 13 and 14; and Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 15.

This invention pertains more particularly to mechanism for applying sheets or strips, as in the form of labels, to packages or receptacles. In the embodiment of the in- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

Serial No. 757,492.

vention herein represented, I have shown the mechanism as adapted to apply labels to shoe or other boxes, and in a modified ap plication thereof have represented the same as adapted to apply labels to bottles. Within the scope of the invention, the labels or sheets may be applied to receptacles or containers of various types or to any suitable or desired surface.

In the preferred or illustrated embodiment of the invention, I have represented mechanism for applying labels to shoe or like boxes and have disclosed means for applying adhesive to the box, means for applying the label to the adhesive surface of the box and constituting the preliminary label application mechanism, means for securely a lixing the label thereto, thereby perfooting the preliminary application of the label, and means for ejecting the box when the operation is completed. In order to operate the mechanism at a high speed, I have represented the same as having four stations, at the first of which the adhesive applied to the box while preceding boxes are being subjected to the action of the label applyin the label securing or perfecting and the box ejecting devices. Preferably these stations are positioned upon a suitable table above which rotates a four armed head, each having a box supporting means, as more fully set forth hereinafter.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and first to that form thereof shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive, the frame of the ma chine is represented most clearly in Figs. 1. and 2. As there shown it is composed of suitable uprights 1--1 with suitable cross members 22 of any desired formationand construction. The said frame may be constructed of angle iron members suitably bolted or otherwise secured together. Upon the upper end of said frame I suitably mount a table or support 3, whereon certain of the instrmnentalities hereinafter referred to are supported. The said table 3 is centrally recessed for the reception of a sleeve bearing 1 here shown as secured in position by bolts Within said bearing 4 is mounted a rotatable and, axially movable vertical shaft (3, which, as most clearly represented in Fig. 3, is preferably provided with a se ries of grooves 7 or other suitable formations, having spiral portions 8 and substantially straight ends 9, 1.0. The number of these grooves corresponds to thenumber of stations at which the box or receptacle is manipulated in the labeling operation. At its lower end the said shaft is provided with a fixed collar 11, and slidingly mounted upon the shaft 6 between the bearing 4: and the said fixed collar 11 is a collar 12. Vertical sliding movement is imparted to said collar 12 by suitable means herein typified by links 13 having eyes engaging lateral pins 14: of said collar. At their lower ends, the said links are secured by a transverse pin or rod 15 to cranks 16-16 fast upon crank shafts 1717, one at least of which is positively driven in any suitable manner. Herein for the purpose I have represented one of said crank shafts 17 as having thereon a worm gear 18 meshing with and driven by a worm 19 on the main shaft 20, whereon are mounted fast and loose pulleys 21, 22 driven from any suitable shafting. Vi it-hin the scope of my invention, I may mount an electric or other motor upon the shaft 20 or elsewhere, or may provide an electric or other motor for driving the said belt. Upon the upper end of the shaft 6 is rigidly mounted a head 23 having thereon a series of arms, herein shown as four in number, corresponding to the number of stations at which the box is manipulated in the label aliixing operations. Fast upon the said shaft 6 above the central hearing at is a pinion 24 and between said pinion and the head 23 is a spiral spring 25, acting to hold the head 23 in elevated position or to restore it to said position periodically, after each box manipulating movement of said head.

As previously stated, I have, in this embodiment of the invention, shown four stations at which the box is acted upon and the head 23 is provided with a corresponding number of box carrying arms, which in one cycle of operation make one complete rota tion involving four turning movements of ninety degrees each. Therefore, in the mechanism herein represented, the head 23 is at each movement thereof turned through a quarter revolution while in its elevated po sition or clear of the adhesive applying and other devices carried by the table 3. 1 provide suitable mechanism for imparting periodic quarter rotations to the said shaft 6 and also for imparting axial movement thereto between said periodic quarter rotations, in order that the boxes carried by the arms of the head 23 may be manipulated at the said stations. To this end, the collar 12 is provided with a series of pawls 26 equal in number to and engaging the grooves 7, being held yieldingly in said grooves by suitable springs 27. The relation of parts is such that upon the downward movement of the collar 12 from its position shown in Fig. 2, the pawls 26, riding in the spiral portions of said grooves, impart a quarter rotation to the shaft before imparting axial movement thereto. When the said pawls have reached the straight portions 10 of said groove, then said collar 12 engages the fixed collar 11 of the shaft or other suitable abutment thereon, and in the continued downward movement of the collar 12, the shaft 6 is moved downward sufficiently to bring the arms of the head 23 into coperating relation with the devices at the several stations. Upon the continued rotation of the crank shafts 17', the spring 25 elevates the shaft 6, each of the pawls 26 freeing itself from its groove 7 and riding along the ungrooved portion of the shaft between the grooves. When the shaft 6 has reached the upper limit of its axial movement, each pawl 26 automatically engages the upper or straight end 9 of the succeeding groove, so that upon the next downward movement of the collar 12 a further quarter revolution is imparted to the shaft 6. It is to be understood that any other suitable means may be employed to impart axial and rotative movement to the said shaft 6.

As previously stated, upon the table 3 are positioned the several devices by means of which, first, the adhesive is applied to the box, second, the label is applied and aflixed thereto, and finally the box is ejected from the mechanism. I shall first describe the means for applying adhesive to the box or receptacle.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 2, 3 and 6, the paste or other adhesive containing receptacle is represented at 28. Within said receptacle is suitably mounted an adhesive distributing roll 29, which engages with and conveys adhesive to the adhesive distributing or applying surface. Preferably said surface is in the form of a belt 30 ofrubber, felt, canvas or other suitable material mounted upon a roll 31, which is itself rotatably mounted in the side walls of the receptacle 28. In order to present a surface of desired form or area to the box or other receptacle, I have in this embodiment of my invention, represented a series of plates or bars 32, 33 and 34k mounted upon the upper edge of such receptacle 28, and over which the belt 30 passes as shown. In order that I may vary the area of that portion of the belt 30 that is presented to the box, I hav herein represented the plates 33 and 34: as adjustable toward and from the plate 32, the latter being shown as fixedly positioned. To that end, the plates 33 and 34 are provided with slots 35, through which screws 36 take. By the means shown or in any 7 other suitable manner, I may therefore extend or contract the area of that portion of the belt 30 which is presented to the box. In order to maintain the belt 30 in position, I provide any suitable guiding means. Herein for the purpose, I have represented four clips 37 which engage the edges of said belt and determine its path of travel. In order to prevent the presentation of an excess quantity ofadhesive to the box, I provide a suitable wiper 38, preferably of flexible material and preferably having a toothed edge 39. I have herein shown said wiper as adjustable by means of slots 40, whereby. it may be accurately positioned .with respect to the said belt 30.

Preferably the belt 80 is driven so as to present fresh surfaces thereof to the boxes. I have herein represented means for driving said belt slowly and at proper periods, and for that purpose have represented a shaft ll mounted in suitable bearings upon the table 8 and having a beveled pinion 42 meshing with the gear 24 on the shaft 6 and driven thereby. At its opposite end the said shaft 4:1 is provided with a beveled pinion 43 meshing with and driving a similar pinion 4-4.- upon said shaft 31 of the roll 30. Within the scope of my invention any other suitable form or type of adhesive applying mechanism may be employed. Suitably adjacent the said receptacle 28, 1 position a platform or box support t) l'iaving a flat upper surface temporarily to support that end of the box to which the adhesive is to be applied. The said platform is sccured in any suitable manner to the adhesive receptacle 28 or to the table 3, as by means of a bracket ll). Preferably the said bracket is vertically adjustable as by means of slots 47 and screws 48, thus permitting the said platform to be accurately positioned, so that the box may be readily slid therefrom directly onto the proper arm of the head 23.

I have herein. represented the gear 24 as a crown gear and as having an annular flange 49 provided with four centering sockets into which in succession takes the circular. head 51 of a lever pivoted at 5355 upon the center bearing 4 and provided with a spring 54 normally acting to draw the head 51 into the sockets 50. In this manner, in the rotation of the shaft 6, the latter will be accurately centeredby the sockets if the pawls 26 do not accurately position the same.

in thedisclosed embodiment of my invention, the label serving support or carrier is positioned ninety degrees from the adhesive container. This support is most clearly shown in 6, 8 and 9. Therein I have represented a plate 55 secured by bolts 56 tothe table 3 and having upstanding therefrom pins 57, about which are coiled springs 58 yieldingly supporting a plate or base member of the label holder. The upper ends of the pins 57 pass through the said plate 59 and at their upper ends are provided with heads 59', and if desired with split pins 59 to retain the plate 59 upon the pins. By the means shown, or in any other suitable manner the plate 59 is yieldingly supported, so that it may yieldingly present a suitable stack of labels 60 to the action of the label applying mechanism. be apparent that at the commencement of the operation with a full stack of labels supported in position, the label serving support or carrier should for best results yield toa considerable extent at each label application, the extent of such yielding movenient decreasing as succeeding labels are removed from the stack.

The label carrier proper is of any suitable construction. Ilerein I have represented two frames 60 having slotted ends 61, by which they may be secured in the desired position of adjustment toward and from each other by screws 62. Upon their inner faces andnear their upper ends the said frames (30 are provided with lugs 63, (33, upon which. is supported the label bed (i l. To obtain the best results, the upper face of the label bed G t should be atfthe same height as the upper surface of the adhesive applying belt 30, so that when the head 23descends itmay take up the lowermost label of the stack 60 and thus complete the exhaustion of the stack.

The upper surface (35 of thelabel bed (let is curved in longitudinal section, as represented in Fig. 8, and this constitutes an ex ceedmgly important feature of the invenw A portion of the label bed 6st between tion. its ends is preferably flattened as represented at 66, but this flattened portion, as clearly represented in Fig. 8, is above the level of the surface of said label bed at its ends. Owing to the described formation of the upper surface of the label bed 64, the labels of the stack 60 are held in convex form as clearly represented in Fig. 8, and in such form are presented to the box as hereinafter described, the printed face of each label being the under face thereof. The labels 0 are held in stacked form upon the label carrier by suitable means preferably engaging said labels at their edges, but in such man nor as to permit them to be readily removed or withdrawn singly. To this end, T have in the preferred embodiment of my invention represented pins (37 having heads .68 which take over the edges of the topmost label. As most clearly shown in 6, I have represented said pins as positioned at the ends of the label bed, being here shown as two in number at each end thereof. It is, of course, evident that the said label holders or pins may engage the topmost label at any desired points along its edges. 7

Viewing Fig. 8, it will be observed that the convexity or upward projection of pertions of the labels (30 is such that a very.

considerable portion ofthe topmost label is above the upper surface of the heads 68 of It will intermediate its ends;

brought into position over the label stack and is projected downward thereagainst, the box does not engage the entire surface of the label, but only a suitable portion or area The extent of such area may be varied within the scope of my invention, but I have secured excellent results by so shaping the parts that the box contacts with only about two thirds of the label and does not contact with the ends thereof. Therefore the box does not come in contact with the heads 68 of the pins 67, and when the box is elevated, the topmost label is withdrawn from beneath the said heads.

The heads 68 of the pins 67 are always maintained in holding relation with the diminishing stack of labels. This result may be effected in any desired manner. In Figs. 8 and 9, I have represented the pins 67 as of general U form and as carrying weights 69 upon the cross portions 70 there of. The said weights 69 are guided in the openings 71 of the frames 60, and thus the heads 68 are held in engagement with the topmost label of the stack whatever he the number of labels therein.

The flattened portion 66 of the upper sur face of the label bed permits the flattening of the mid-portion of the labels when the box is projected against the label stack, so that the topmost label adheres to the box surface throughout a suflicient area of the v label.

Preferably and as shown in Fig. 9, I provide a guide spring 72 at the outer edge of the label carrier and with which the back of the box engages, so that the box is held in determined position with respect to the label stack. Within the scope of the invention the form and construction of the label serving support or carrier may be widely varied.

From the foregoing description, it will be evident that the label does not adhere to the box throughout the entire area of said label when the label is first applied or taken up. In order therefore to secure the entire area or surface of the label to the box, and thus to perfect the preliminary application of the label, I provide a suitable pad or abutment to which the box is carried upon a further quarter revolution of the head 23. This abutment or pad may be of any suitable form and construction. As shown most clearly in Figs. 3 and 6, it is composed of a block or frame 73 of generally rectangular form having upon the upper surface thereof a pad 74 preferably of some suitable yieldmaterial, as, for example, felt or soft rubber. In order to secure the pad Tet in position, I have herein represented four clips75 having inturned ends 76 which engage the edges of the pad, as represented most clearly in Fig. 3. The said clips are provided with slotted ends 77 by which they may be adjustablyand removably secured to the frame 73, by screws 7 8 or other suitable means. In this manner, the pad may be removed when desired for cleansing or for the substitution of another pad. The head 23 is, in this embodiment of my invention, provided with four arms 79 corresponding in number to the four operating stations previously referred to. Each arm 79 is provided at its outer end with a box holder 80. While the box holder may be extensible in size, so as accurately to fit different sized boxes, I preferably form each holder proper of a block of wood or the like, fitting substantially accurately into the lower end of the box. For this purpose, I may provide a series of blocks 80 of differing sizes to be used in substitution as re quired'. I have herein shown the saidblock as removably secured by one or more screws 81 to the head 82 of a support 83, which is vertically slotted as indicated at 8%, whereby it is adjustably secured by screw 85 to the end of the arm 7 9. In this manner the lower face of the holder 80 may be normally positioned when at its highest point of elevation in a plane which is elevated above the upper surface of the box platform merely by the thickness of the material of the box wall. This permits the box to be slid open face inward from the platform 45 on the holder 80. This relative positioning of the parts permits the ready application of the boxes to the arms of the head 23. It will, however, be understood that the box may be supported in any other suitable manner upon the head.

Preferably I provide guides cofiperating with the holder 80 to support the box upon the arm 7 9. For this purpose, I have shown in Fig. 5 a pair of spring clips 86 supported at the end of each arm 79 upon a transverse bar 87 suitably supported upon said arm. Preferably the said bar is provided with longitudinal slots '88, through which pass bolts 89 by which the said spring clips 86 are secured in position with capacity for adjustment transversely of the box. Each spring clip is represented as of loop form, the legs of the loop being bent inwardly toward each other, as represented, so as to grip the edges of the box between them if the box he presented open face toward said clips.

If desired, I may provide a support or guide cooperating with the top or back of the box as the same is presented to the several instrumentalities. For thisv purpose, I have in Figs. 2 and 5 represented a plate spring 91 of general L form secured .to the bar 87 and engaging the upper inner face of the box, as represented in Fig. 2. In this or in any other suitable manner, the box is firmly supported upon the outer end of the arm 79 with the lower face of the holder 80 in contact with the inner face of that end or part of the box that is projected downward. The box so supported, is upon axial move ment of the shaft 6 brought into contact with the belt and a layer of paste or other adhesive is in this manner transferred to the box. The area of said paste or adhesive should conform to the area of the label, and to this end the bars 33, 341 are so adjusted as to presentan area of the belt 30 to the box equaling the area of the label. The continued rotation of the crank shafts 17 permits the elevation of the shaft 6, and the head 23 is turned through a quarter revolu' tion. This operation brings the box having adhesive upon its lower face over the label stack 60, thus bringing a second arm 79 into radial alinement with the platform or support 45 and permitting the application of a box to said second arm. Thereupon ,the

. shaft 6 is again moved axially downward,

thus bringing the adhesive surface of the first box into contact with the uppermost label and bringing the second box into contact with the adhesive applying belt 30. The shaft 6 is thereupon again projected upwardly and the head 23 turns through another quarter revolution. This positions a third arm 79 in box receivingposition, and upon the next downward movement of the shaft 6, the first box is projected against the upper surface of the pad 7 1. The area of the pad 74. is equal to or somewhat greater than the area of the label, so that the label i forced firmly against the adhesive surface of the box throughout the entire area of the label, thus perfecting the preliminary application of the label. Thereupon the shaft 6 is again elevated and the head 23 is turned another quarter rotation. This brings the first box into ejecting position.

In order to eject the box from its arm 7 9, I may provide any suitable mechanism. Herein for the purpose, I have represented in Figs. 2, 3 and 5, an ejector operator 92 shown as a rod or spindle secured to and upstanding from the upper surface of the table 3. Said rod is represented as having a tapered end 93,.and each of the arms 79 is provided with a vertical aperture 94 in alinement therewith and into and through which the ejector operator 92 passes upon each downward movement of the head 23. Upon each arm 79 I mount a lever 95 pivoted at 96 and having an arm 97, the outer end 08 of which overlies the aperture 9 1, and may contact with the upper face of the arm 79. The upper end of the lever 95 has pivoted thereto at 99 a plunger 100 guided in a slot 101 in suitable bracket 102. In order to hold the plunger and the attached partsin normal or retracted position, I may provide any suitable means. Herein for the purpose, I have represented a coiled spring 103 connected at one end to the plunger 100 and at the other end to an eye 104 carried upon the up or end of the shaft 6.

In. Fig. 3, have represented the plunger 100 and cooperating parts in normal or in inactive position. l'V hen the head 23 is projccted downward, the box carried upon that arm which is above the ejector operator 92, is discharged from the mechanism by the outward projection of the plunger 100. The projecting or box discharging movement of the plunger 100 is imparted thereto through the outward swinging movement of the lever 95 viewing Fig. 3, consequent upon the contact of the ejector operator 92 with the arm 97 of the lever 95 inthe downward movement of the head 23. The ejector operator 92 constitutes an impacting device which operates the ejector upon the appreach of the head23 toward the bed and i at or near the completion of such approach movement. With such construction of parts, the ejector, therefore, is not actuated until toward or substantially at the completion of the relative movement ofthe bed and head toward each other. Simultaneously with the ejection of the boxat the fourth. station of the table, a label is firmly applied to the second box, a label is picked up by the third box, and a layer of adhesive is applied to the lower face of the fourth box. This completes one cycle of the operation.

In Figs. 10, 11 and 19., I have indicated a modified form of labeling mechanism wherein is provided an adhesive containing receptacle 105 mounted upon the table 3 or other suitable support. Extending from a suitable portion of the receptacle are cars 106, wherein is mounted a rock shaft 107 having coiled thereabout a spring 108, the coiling of which is such as to tend to rock said shaft in a clockwise direction. Fast upon said shaft 107 is mounted a u-shaped yoke 108, which, if desired, may have a forward lip or projection 109. Loosely mounted for rotation in the parallel arms of said yoke 108 are rolls 110, 111,.and mounted in suitable bearings in the walls of the adhesive receptacle is a roll 112. Passing about the rolls 11.0, 111 and .112 is a belt 113 of any suitable material, such for example as rubher, the upper run of which overlies a pad 114, the size of which may be suitably varied, as, for example, in the manner shown in connection with the preferred embodiment of my invention. If desired, I may employ means positively to drive the belt 113, as, for

example, a gear 115 mounted upon the shaftfor the purpose I have represented the adhesive receptacle as provided at its top with a bar 116, which may be integral therewith. At its upper face the said bar is provided with a T-shaped longitudinal slot 117 wherein are received nuts 118 upon screws 119, the latter being secured to ears upon the pad 114. In this manner, the pad 114 may be readily removed for Cleansing or for substitution of another pad.

The labeling device is so positioned that the plunger in its descent will strike the yoke 108 on the lip 109 thereof, so as to bring the under side of the upper run of the belt 113 into engagement with the upper face of the pad 114 and will depress below the upper surface of. the pad all portions of the upper run of the belt outside of the area of said pad. Any other suitable adhesive applying mechanism may be provided.

I have previously stated that the labels may be applied in the practice of my invention to boxes or receptacles of curved or other contour. In Figs. 13 to 16, I have represented one form of mechanism for applying labels to bottles, the form of mechanism shown being one that may be readily applied to the preferred embodiment of the invention with comparatively few changes. In said figures, each arm 79 is preferably equipped as before with a plunger 100. Instead of employing a box holder of the form heretofore shown, I provide a holder 139 having at its lower end two members 140 having surfaces 141 substantially conforming to the surface of the bottle 142. These two members 140 may be adjustable toward and from each other in any suitable manner, so as to engage more or less of the surface of the bottle. To support the bottle, I provide any suitable means, as, for example, two spring clips 143 pivoted at 144 upon the arm 79 and each having an upwardly eX- tending arm 145 taking against a pin 146 upon the plunger 100. The construction and relation of parts is such that upon the outward projecting movement of the plumger 100 the pin 146 rocks the clips 143 upon their pivots 144, thus releasing the bottle after the label has been applied and secured thereto.

In order to apply adhesive material to the surface of the bottle, I may provide devices such as hereinbefore described, but preferably I provide the device shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Therein, I have represented an adhesive receiving receptacle 147 having mounted therein a roll 148 driven from any suit able source. Passing about said roll 148 is a belt 149 which passes also about rolls 150 upon arms 151 supported by levers pivoted at 152 and having arms 153 connected by a tensioned coil spring 154. Upon engagement of the bottle 142 with the belt 149, the levers yield inwardly, thereby permitting the belt is positioned at the appropriate station of the mechanism previously described, and

when the bottle having the label sticking thereto is brought into contact with the belt 159, the latter conforms to the curved surface of the bottle and causes the label to be vtightly secured to the bottle. The lever arms 155 yield sufficiently to permit the sagging of the belt 159, so that it may sufiiciently surround the bottle to effect the desired result. v

I11 the claims I shall employ the term label in a broad and generic sense to in clude a strip or sheet which may be of any suitable form and area, and which may or may not be provided with printed or other matter.

Having thus described one illustrative embodiment of my invention, I desire it to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims:

1. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, means to render the article adhesive, means to apply a label to the. adhesive surface of said article, and means socurely to affix a label to said article, a sta tionary support whereon said several means are positioned in a curved path, and means movable in a curved path and also toward and from said means to apply the article to the successive action of said means.

2. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device, a label aflixing device, and a labeled article ejector-actuator arranged in sequence, an article ejector arranged to be engaged periodically by said ejector-actuator, article-carrying means and means relatively to move said means and said supporting member toward and from each other.

3. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having arranged in circular, spaced sequence, an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device, a label aflixing device, articlecarrying means to present an article to the successive action of said devices, and coacting, normally separated devices upon said CJI supporting member and said article-carrying means to effect the ejection of the labeled article. a

4. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device, and a label .itlixing device arranged in circular sequence, an article carrying head arranged in operative relation to said supporting member, means to move said head toward and from said supporting member to subject the article tothe action of said devices, and means to rotate said head.

5. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a suppm'ting member having an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device, and a label affixing device arranged in circular series, a box carrying head,a shaft positioned to support said head for movement toward and from the supporting member, and means to impart axial and rotative movements to said shaft.

6. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination a supporting member having an adhesive applying device, a label applying device and label affixing device arranged in circular series, a head having a series of radial arms, a shaft positioned to support said head for movement toward and from the table, and means intermittently to rotate and to impart axial movement to said shaft.

7. Label applying mechanism com n'ising in combination, a supportingmember having arranged thereon in circular series, an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device, a label aflixing device, and a labeled article ejecting device, a head, a shaft positioned to support the same for movement toward and from the supporting member, and means to impart rotative and axial movements to said shaft.

8. Label applying mechanism having a supporting member provided with label manipulating instrumentalitics, a head, a shaft supporting said head, and means to impart axial movement to said shaft, the latter being provided with inclined grooves, and means cooperating with said grooves to impart periodic partial relative movements to said shaft.

9. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having label manipulating instrmnentalitics, a head supported thereabove, a shaft supporting said head, means to impart axial movement to said shaft, the latler having inclined grooved formations corresponding in number to the number of said label manipulating instrumentalities. and means cooperating with said grooved formations to effect the rotative movement of said shaft.

10. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member carrying label manipulating instrumentalities, a

head, a vertical shaft supporting the same, said shaft having a series of inclined grooved formations, and means movable axially of the shaft and co-acting with said tl'orn'iations to impart periodic rotative and axial movements to said shaft.

11. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having label manipulating instrumentalities, a vertical shaft supported for movement tovvard and from said supporting member and having a head provided with box carrying arms, said shaft having a fixed collar or abutment, and a series of inclined superficial grooves, and sliding means upon said shaft co-acting successively with said, grooves and said fixed collar to impart IOltll'lV) and axial movements to said shaft and head.

12. Label applying mechanism comprising a supporting member having label manipulating instrumentalities arranged in circular series, a vertical shaft supported for movement toward and from said supporting member having ahead with radial box holding arms, said shaft having a fixed collar or abutment and longitudinal grooves provided with straight and inclined portions, and a collar slidably mounted upon said shaft and having yielding means coau-tingavith said grooves.

13. Label applying mechanism having an adhesive applying receptacle, an adhesive supplying belt mounted therein, means coacting with said belt to present a variable areaof said belt for the transfer of adhesive material from the belt, means to apply an article to said belt to render said article adhesive, and means to apply a label to said adhesive article.

l l. Label applying mechanism having an adhcsive-containiing receptacle, an :ulhesive supplying belt mounted therein. adjustable means engaging an under face of said belt to present a variable area thereof for trans-- for of the adhesive, means to apply an article to said belt to render said article adhesive, and means to apply a label to said adhesive article.

15. Label applying mechanism having an adhcsive-containing receptacle, a roll mounted tl'ierein, a belt mounted upon said roll, means between the belt and roll, and co-acting with the former to present a flattened area of said belt for transfer ofthe adhesive, means to apply an article to said belt to render said article adhesive, and means to apply a label to said adhesive article.

16. Label applying mechanism comprising a supporting member, label n'ianipulating instriunentalitics arranged in cirrula r sequence thereon, a box carrying head, a vow tical shaft supporting the same, above said supporting member, means to rotate said shaft to present a box carried by the head over each of said. instrumentalities, said supporting member and head being relatively movable, one toward and from the other and a centering device co-acting with the shaft to position the head with respect to said instrumentalities.

17. Label applying mechanism having a label holder to support one or more labels, means to bow or bend said label or labels outwardly between its ends, a pad device for perfecting the application of the label, a fixed label support for said label holder and pad, and an article carrying device to present the article to the successive action of said label holder and pad.

18. Label applying mechanism having a label holder to support a stack of labels, means to bow or bend said entire stack of labels outwardly, thereby to present but a portion of the area of each label for application a pad device for perfecting the application of the label, a fixed support for said label holder and pad, and a rotatable articlecarrying head positioned to present the article to the successive action of said label holder and pad.

19. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, an adhesive supply device a label holder provided with a label bed having a substantially convex label supporting surface, and means to support one or more labels upon and conforming to said surface a pad device for perfecting the application of the label, a fixed support for said device and holder, and a rotatable article-carrying head positioned to present the article to the successive action thereof.

20. Label applying mechanism having a label holder provided 'with a protruding fixed label bed shaped to engage the entire under surface of the lowermost label, and one or more label holding members to engage the edge of the uppermost label supported on said bed and to permit the withdrawal of the label therefrom a device to perfect the application of the label to the article, a support for said holder and device, an article holder positioned to present the article to the successive action thereof, and means to project the article holder toward said support.

21. Label applying mechanism having a label holder provided with a convex bed and a series of marginal pins having heads to engage the labels supported upon said bed a device to perfect the application of the label to the article, a support for said holder and device, an article holder positioned to present the article to the successive action thereof, and means to project the article holder toward said support.

22. Label applying mechanism having a yieldingly mounted label holder, a convex bed supported by said label holder, marginal pins having heads to engage the topmost label of the stack supported upon said bed a device to perfect the application of the label and an article holder positioned to present the article to the successive action of said label holder and said device.

23. Label applying mechanism comprising a supporting member, a label holder supported thereon, a box supporting head, means to project said head and box into engagement with the topmost label supported by said holder, means to flex the labels outwardly, thereby to present but a portion of the area of each label to said box and devices movable toward and from the label holder to engage the edges of the topmost label.

24. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member, a label holder supported thereon, means to support a series of labels upon said label holder in outwardly flexed condition, a box holding head, means to apply adhesive to said box, means to project the adhesively prepared box into engagement with said topmost label a pad device to perfect the application of the label and means to move said head so as to apply a box to the successive action of the label holder and pad device.

25. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member, a box supporting head, means to apply adhesive to a box supported upon said head, a label holder, means to support a stack of labels thereon in outwardly flexed condition a pad device to perfect the application of said label, and means to project the adhesively treated box into engagement with said label stack and thereafter into engagement with said pad device.

26. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member, a box supporting head, means to apply adhesive to a box supported upon said head, a label holder, means to support a stack of labels thereonin outwardly flexed condition, a pad device to perfect the application of the label, means to project the adhesively treated box into engagement with said label stack and thereafter into engagement with said pad device, and marginal retaining means to engage and permit the withdrawal of the topmost label of said stack.

27. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member, a label holder formed to support a stack of labels in outwardly flexed condition, marginal pins releasable to engage the topmost label of said stack, a pad device to perfect the application of said label, a box supporting head, means adhesively to treat said box, and means to project said adhesively treated box into engagement with the exposed label of said stack and thereafter into engagement with said pad device.

28. Label applying mechanism provided with a label holder, a fixed label bed supported thereby having a convex portion intermediate its ends and adapted to receive a label stack, marginalmeans to engage the exposed label of said stack below the crown of the convex portion of the exposed label a pad device to perfect the application of the label and a reciprocating device to present the article to be labeled to said labelbed and pad device. 29. Label applying mechanism comprising a base having a frame 60, a label bed 64., coacting weighted pins 67 having heads 68 to engage the topmost label means to present the article to the label stack and cod cratin means to effect the application of the label.

30. Label-applying mechanism comprising a bed having adhesivesupplying and label-applying instrumentalities, an articlecarrying head, means to impart relative toward-and-from movement to said head and bed, and an impactingdevice and an article-ejector relatively mounted upon said bed and head, whereby the article-ejector is actuated upon the latter portion only of the toward movement.

31. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member having label applying instrumentalities, a rotatable article supporting head means to impart relative reciprocatingmovement to the table and head to effect the application of the labels, an ejector carried by said head, and an ejector operator supported by said supporting member.

p 32. Labelapplying mechanism comprising in combination, supporting member having label applying instrumentalities, a rotatable articlejsupporting head provided with a series of radially acting article ejectors, means to impart relative reciprocating movement to the table and head to effect the application of the labels, and co-acting means to operate said ejectors.

33. 'Labelapplying mechanism comprising in combination, a bed, a head having a plurality of article supporting arms, a (supporting shaft for said head, means to rotate and axially to move said shaft, and article ejecting meanS carried by the arms of said head.

34;, Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting member havinglabel holding instrumentalities, a head having radial artioleholding arms, means to rotate and axially tomOVe said head, plunger .ejectors carried by the arms of said head,

, and ejector, operators supported [by said supporting member.

A box supporti g head f r labe applying mechanism hav ng an ejector plunger .1 0, a l er 5 pporting said pl nger and having an arm 97 and a bed supported in operative relation to said head and havingejecting means oo'c'rperating with said lever.

36- .L el. applying m chanism compr u a supporti g mem r, a head suppor s. themahove and having a ver lcal perfor t on 94, a lever 95 mounted upon said head and having an arm 97 to overlie the opening 94 and a plunger 100, anejector operated rod 92 mounted upon said bed and adapted to penetrate the opening 94: to operate the plunger and means to impart relative movement to said supporting member and head toward and from each other.

37. Label applying mechanism comprising means to apply adhesive to the article to be labeled, means preliminarily to' apply the label, means to perfect the preliminary label application by a wiping action, article ejccting means, a stationary support for all said means and means to subject a series of articles to the simultaneous action of said means. .1

38. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination means to applya coatingof adhesive material to the article to be labeled means to apply a label to a portion only 0 the coated surface of said article, means to perfect by a wiping action the preliminary application of said label to the remainder of the coated surface, article ejecting means,a stationary support for all said means and means to subject a series of articles to the simultaneous action of said means.

39 Label applying mechanism comprising an adhesive applying instrumentality, a

label applying instrumentality, an instru mentality for perfecting the aifixing of the label, a labeled article e ecting instrumcntaL ity a fixed support for all said instrumentalities, and means simultaneously to move a series of articles toward said instrumentalities for the simultaneous action of said instrumentalities thereon.

40. Label-applying mechanism comprisin in combination a supporting member, an d hesive-supplyin device, a label-applying device, a label-a ixing device, and an impasting device acting in the ejection of the labeled article, saiddevices being arranged in sequence uponsaid supporting member, labeled-article ejecting means adapted to be actuated by said impactingdevice, articlecarrying means, and means relatively to move said article-carryingmeans and said supporting member toward and from each 0t er.

41;. Label applying mechanism compris ing in combination, means to render the an ticle adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereof, means securely to affix saidlabel, a stationary support whereon said means are positioned, means for ejecting the labeledrarticle, and carrying means for a plurality of articles to simultaneously subject the articles to said several means.

42.. Label applying mechanism compriss in in combination, means to render the aric le adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereoh'a stationary sup.

port whe eas sai means are positioned,

means for ejecting the labeled article and article carrying means for a plurality of articles to simultaneously subject the articles to said several means.

43. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, means to render the article adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereof, a stationary support whereon said means are positioned, and article-carrying means for a plurality of articles. to simultaneously subject articles to said several means.

44. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, means to render the article adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereof, means securely to afliX said label, a stationary support whereon said means are positioned, and a. rotary head mounted adjacent to said support and arranged to subject an article carried thereby to the action of said several means.

45. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, means to render the article adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereof, means securely to aflix said label, a support whereon said means are stationarily positioned, a rotary head mounted adjacent to said support and having means to carry a series of articles to be simultaneously presented to the action of said several means, and co-acting devices upon said head and said support for ejecting completely labeled articles.

46. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, means to render the article adhesive, means to apply a label to the adhesive surface thereof, means securely to afiix said label, a stationary support whereon said imeans are positioned, and means to move polygonally shaped articles toward and from each of said means.

l'T Label applying, mechanism comprising in combination, a stationary supporting member having an adhesive supplying device, a label applying device and a label affixing device arranged in circular sequence, and means to move polygonally shaped articles toward and from all of said devices. "48. Label applying mechanism having an adhesive applying receptacle, an adhesive supplying belt mounted therein, means coacting with said belt to present a variable area of said belt for the transfer of adhesive material from the belt, means to apply'an article to said belt to render the article adhesive, and means to apply a label to said perfect the application of the label, a fixed support for said label holder and label application perfecting device, and an article holder positioned to present the article to the successive action thereof.

50. Label applying mechanism having a label holder provided with a bed 64 having a protruding label supporting surface 65 and a plurality of weighted pins 67 marginally arranged with respect to said labels and having heads to engage the topmost label, a device to perfect the application of the label, and an article holder positioned to present the article to the successive action of said label holder and device.

51. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device and a label holding device upon said element, an article carrying element, andmeans to impart rotative and reciprocating movements to one of said elements.

52. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device, a label holding device, and a label-application-perfecting device upon said element, an article carrying element, and means to impart rotative and reciprocatingmovements to one of said elements.

53. Label applying mechanism' comprising in combination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device, a label holding device, a label-application-perfecting device, and an article ejecting vdevice upon said element, an article carrying element, and means to impart rotative and reciprocating movements to one of said elements. 7 54. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device and a label holding device upon said element, an article carrying element having a plurality of article carrying arms, and means to impart rotative and reciprocating movements to one of said elements, whereby during a single reciprocating movement a plurality of ar ticles are brought into simultaneous engagement with said devices.

55. Label applying mechanism comprising incombination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device, a label holding device, and a label-application-perfecting device upon said element, an article carrymg element having a plurality of article carrying arms, and means to impart rotative and reciprocating movements to, one of said elements, whereby during a single reciprocating movement a plurality of articles are brought into simultaneous engage ment with said devices.

56. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination, a supporting element, an adhesive applying device, a label holding device, a label-application-perfecting device, and an article ejecting device upon said element, an article carrying element having four, article carrying arms, and means to impart rotative and reciprocating movements to one of said elements, whereby during a single reciprocation articles are simultaneously acted upon by all of said devices.

57. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination two members, one of which is stationary and the other of which is movable toward and from the first member, and an adhesive supplying device and a label applying device supported by one of said members, said other member being adapted simultaneously to support a plurality of articles to be labeled, and means actuating one of said members to bring said articles into successive contact at definite areas with said devices.

58. Label applying mechanism comprising, in combination two members, one of which is stationary and the other of which is movable toward and from the first member, and an, adhesive supplying, device, a label applying device, and a label aifixing device supported by one of said members, said other member being adapted simultaneously to support a plurality of articles,

to be labeled, and means actuatin one of said members to bring said articles into successive contact at predetermined areas with said devices.

59. Label applying mechanism comprising in combination two members one of which is stationary and the other of which a is movable toward and from the first, an adhesive supplying device and alabel applying 5 device supported by one of said members,

EARL L. BROWNSON .1

Witnesses:

Rosnnr H. KAMMLER, IRVINGU. TOWNSEND Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G." a 

